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So your kid is in fifth grade now!

This is an exciting year, and we want you to know that we see you, and we’re here to support you as you navigate the joys and challenges that come with it. Every fifth grader is different, but here are some things you might find helpful.

One question we believe almost every fifth grader is asking is, "Who are my friends?" Fifth graders are big fish in a small pond. They have a natural confidence that has come from mastering the elementary school ropes. They have already begun, and are looking to continue, surrounding themselves with “their people.” They are looking for places of belonging and acceptance. The opinions and advice of a fifth grader’s friends bear a lot of authority. The increased value of friendship and belonging allows fifth graders to understand different points of view, empathize with others, and be an advocate for themselves or others.

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Your influence in your child's life is shifting.

This doesn’t mean that your kid needs you any less, but they are beginning to need you in a different way. This is a prime time to provoke discovery. Your fifth grader wants to be challenged, and they need to know that you are behind them the whole way, cheering them on. We know that you’re already a super fan of your kid. Fifth grade is an important time for your kid to see that, too.

With the elementary experience under their belt, and a “no fear” attitude, your fifth grader is motivated by fun and competition. Lean into that confidence, and build it by showing them that you see the potential they are beginning to feel in themselves.

It can be tough to know exactly what it looks like to be your kid’s super fan. For this, watch how they interact with their friends. Fifth graders are excellent cheerleaders for each other. If you want to support and engage your fifth grader’s interests, include their peers, coach relational skills, and help them develop healthy friendships.

Ways Your Child is Changing.

PHYSICALLY

  • Their speed, force, and body control are improving.
  • They need outdoor time and physical challenges.
  • They may show signs of early puberty stages: acne, mood swings, changes in height and weight (girls, ages 8-9; boys, ages 9-12).
  • They continue losing baby teeth, including molars (ages 9-12).
  • They need 10-11 hours of sleep each night.

SOCIALLY

  • They enjoy cooperative and group games and thrive in competition.
  • They are beginning to desire more privacy.
  • They benefit from having a same-gender best friend.
  • They may be interested in or curious about opposite-gender relationships, but they will rarely admit it.

MENTALLY

  • They enjoy problem solving and can collaborate on rules and consequences.
  • They may enjoy collecting things (cards, rocks, coins, etc.)
  • Their skill at memorizing facts is growing.
  • They are beginning to understand abstract concepts.

EMOTIONALLY

  • They tend towards confidence and contentment.
  • They may be easily embarrassed about their body.
  • Their moderate experiences of failure will begin building resilience.
  • They want to be seen as independent and mature.
  • They may be drawn to service opportunities (“I have something to offer.”)

The Three Most Important Things to Remember.

1.

You are by far the biggest influence in your child’s life. Your words and actions always matter.

2.

Talk about your every-day faith every day. Studies show this is THE MOST effective way to pass your faith on to your kids. Be vulnerable and authentic about your daily experience of God.

3.

Don’t be their bridge to God, light their path. No matter their age, they are ready to connect with God! You don’t need to connect to God for them, they need you to show them how they can themselves.

If you would like help or ideas on how to do any of these things, we are always here to help!

Resources We Recommend.

Books.

If you’re unable to afford any of these resources, please let us know—we’d love to help!

Teach Your Children Well
This book gives a brilliant, effective and yet simple perspective on how we can help our kids form a deep relationship with Jesus. This is for all of us imperfect parents with limited time and capacity.
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Parenting Your Fifth Grader
This book has lots of very insightful information and practical advice on how to engage with your fifth grader. There are also lots of blank pages for processing questions if you find that useful.
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The Yes Brain
This book helps understand the fifth grade brain. It offers helpful insight into how parents can nurture their fifth grader toward balance, resilience, insight, and empathy.
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Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family
This resource strives to present an overall picture of God’s plan for parents rather than a to-do list.
Learn More
Generation Alpha
This book is based on extensive social demographic research. It dives into the complex experiences and challenges that Generation Alpha (anyone born 2010-2014) faces. It’s a practical guide for how to “best raise, educate, and guide Generation Alpha.”
Learn More

Podcasts/Websites.

The Bible App (Loop Plans)
This free app will give your 5th grader access to multiple versions of the Bible. Also, if you search for the Loop Show under the plans tab of the Bible App, there are Bible reading plans that coincide with our Loop teaching schedule. You can access that schedule here.
Learn More
Parent Cue Blog
This website is crammed with tons of articles on many subjects with practical helpful advice.
Learn More
Hi, I'm Tim Steitz!

I am the leader of the CCYouth ministry (5th, 6th, and 7th grade) at Christ Community. CCYouth students are in an incredible stage of life where they are ready to engage in community, own their relationship with Jesus, and discover their identity in him. I love getting to be a part of that journey. You parents are the primary champions of your CCYouths, and I want to join you in their corner. Please reach out to me if you have any questions about CCYouth, or if you’d just like to chat!

CCYouth is for fifth, sixth, and seventh graders and meets during every adult weekend service. We also have quarterly Youth Nights on Fridays (details communicated in advance), and midweek leadership opportunities for CCYouth students that are ready for a next step (details communicated in advance).

Email Tim